Provence

Provence is blessed with a Mediterranean climate of warm summers and mild winters. With an annual average of up to 3,000 hours, excessive sun is a concern although the heat is alleviated by the northerly mistral wind, and the risk of fungal diseases is minimal – which makes the region suitable for organic viticulture. It is predominantly known for its rosé wines, which account for over half of Provençal production and are usually dry.

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The Roman poet Martial once condemned the wines of Provence’s capital Marseilles as “terrible poisons, and never sold at a good price”. Fortunately, this harrowing proclamation was born of envy.

Quite how long winemaking has been going on in Provence is a matter of historical debate, but it is thought that it dates back as far as the Greek founding of Massilia (now Marseilles) in 600 BC.

Although Rome tried to curtail the production of wine here so as to favour exports of Italian goods throughout the Empire, soldiers retiring from the legions undermined them by privately continuing to grow grapes in this area of France they called Provincia Nostra (‘our province’).

Like other areas in the Mediterranean, Provence has played host to a series of cultures during its history, and each one has added its own touch to the region’s winemaking, particularly in terms of grape varieties. Simply listing some of the grapes found in the province gives a good idea of this variance, as they include Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache (the most planted), Ugni Blanc, Clairette, the indigenous Calitor, Barbaroux, Rolle (Vermentino) and Sémillon, amongst others.

Provence, to the east of Languedoc-Rousillon,is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, entailing warm summers and mild winters. With an annual average of up to 3,000 hours, excessive sun is a concern for many vines. Fortunately the heat is alleviated by the northerly mistral wind, and the risk of fungal diseases is minimal – which makes Provence suitable for organic viticulture.

The region is predominantly known for its rosé wines, which account for over half of Provençal production and are usually dry. The tiny enclave of Cassis stands out as a predominantly white wine region.

This rosé has been specially blended for Berry Bros. & Rudd by Château la Mascaronne, which is based in the beautiful rolling hills of the Côtes de Provence. Juicy red berry fruits of wild strawberries and redcurrants are combined with refreshing herbal notes of lemon verbena and hints of spice. The crispness of acidity and salinity on the palate brings vibrancy and tension. Fiona Hayes - Wine Buyer

Capturing the essence of Provençal charm, the epitome, perhaps, of Matisse’s “luxe, calme et volupté”; the Perrin family (of Château de Beaucastel fame) continues to provide the expertise and winemaking skills at Miraval – which delivers year in, year out. Their 2017 rosé is gloriously pale, dry and pure. Aromas of wild raspberries and redcurrants play against a herbal backdrop. Utterly refreshing, the wine’s graceful texture is balanced by red-cherry acidity, with notes of strawberry and fennel on the mid-palate. It’s perfect summer drinking (especially in large-format).

An intriguing blend of Ugni Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc, the 2016 has subtle aromatics of white flowers, peach and even a hint of soft pineapple. If the Ugni grounds the wine with gravitas and a Southern weight, the two other varietals lend flinty acidity and a clean, refreshing finish. A dream, or so they say, with Comté or Beaufort.Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer